First impressions count, and nothing makes a better first impression on dinner guests than those delectable little nibbles that you set out before the main course. And you don’t have to limit yourself to serving appetizers at the beginning of a meal. Appetizers are first and foremost about entertaining. They set the tone and the mood of an occasion, whether it’s a formal dinner, an intimate get-together, or a big birthday bash. And, best of all, the cooking times are short, the ingredients are simple to find (mostly), and it’s easy to make a few different recipes at the same time so you can impress your guests with a festive assortment. In Appetizers For Dummies , celebrity chef, Dede Wilson shows you how to make foolproof recipes for 75 mouthwatering, bite-sized wonders ranging from an Italian-inspired antipasto to a classic shrimp cocktail. Step-by-step, she fills you in on everything you need to know to: impress your guests with delicious finger food and first courses; whip up everything from the classics to original, exotic, and offbeat appetizers; plan parties with theme menus that will get rave reviews from your guests; and experiment with flavors and international cuisines. Whether you’re looking for general ideas about designing appetizer menus or helpful lists of conventional ingredients, it’s all here. Among other things, you’ll discover: helpful lists of pantry ingredients and how to use them to make appetizers almost instantly; ready-to-go menus for all occasions; recipes for munchies that can be eaten by the handful, as well as recipes for traditional favorites like deviled eggs and crab cakes; how to expand your culinary horizons with tea sandwiches, quesadillas, puff pastries, tartlets, muffins, biscuits, and dozens of ethnic recipes; and plated recipes for formal occasions, including artichokes with vinaigrette, smoked salmon, caviar, foie gras, and more. Whether you’re new to the world of appetizers or you’ve been delighting guests with your famous finger foods and hors d'oeuvres for years, Appetizers For Dummies is the ultimate guide to spicing up any gathering with delicious mini culinary creations.